November 7, 2013 —The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) joined more than 100 medical societies in 57 countries around the world in celebrating the second annual International Day of Radiology (IDoR) on Nov. 8. IDoR 2013 focused on the important role lung imaging plays in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, including the advent of computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screening.
The RSNA and the ACR have issued a Joint Statement on CT for Lung Cancer Screening, which supports the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) draft recommendation (Grade B) for CT lung cancer screening of high-risk individuals. The ACR is currently working on CT lung cancer screening guidelines and standards.
"International Day of Radiology is a special time to recognize the tremendous value radiology adds to modern health care,” said Paul Ellenbogen, M.D., FACR, chair, ACR Board of Chancellors. “Deaths from cancer and other serious illnesses and injuries have plummeted in recent years largely due to early diagnosis made possible by imaging exams — such as lung CT scans. Expanded use of CT lung cancer screening in high-risk patients is a landmark step in the battle to defeat this terrible disease. I encourage the United States Preventive Services Task Force to take action now and mandate insurance coverage for the life-saving procedure.”
IDoR also recognizes the many innovations in radiology research that have revolutionized modern medicine, produced great technological leaps, enabled more effective and efficient care and saved countless lives. Moreover, modern medical technology provides people with less invasive methods of early cancer detection. The breast cancer death rate in the United States has dropped more than 30 percent since mammography use became widespread in 1990. In countries where mammography screening programs are more organized and widespread, breast cancer deaths have nearly been cut in half.
"From screening and diagnostic imaging exams used to diagnose illness early to life-saving interventional therapies and radiation oncology treatments, medical imaging plays a critical role in patient care," said Sarah Donaldson, M.D., president, Radiological Society of North America. "International Day of Radiology not only celebrates imaging's tremendous contribution to medicine over the last century, but also honors the ongoing research that allows us to ensure that our patients continue to receive optimal care."
IDoR 2013 also marks the 118th anniversary of the discovery of the X-ray. It is co-sponsored by the ACR, the RSNA and the European Society of Radiology.
March 13, 2026 
